WHILE the rest of the nation celebrated England's win over Argentina yesterday, a band of toddlers in the North-East had their own celebrations to enjoy.

Northumbria University, Newcastle, threw a children's garden party to celebrate the official opening of its nursery. The nursery moved to new premises with modern facilities on the university's Newcastle campus earlier this year and can accommodate 30 children, aged from three months to over four years.

Previously, the nursery could only accept children aged two-and-a-half years and over. The new accommodation provides three rooms catering for different age groups.

The nursery was officially opened by the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kel Fidler.

The nursery received an "excellent" report with no recommendations for improvement after its last Ofsted inspection.

Prof Fidler said: "The improvements made to the nursery demonstrate the university's commitment to the principles of equal opportunities and community investment. One of the key reasons given by mothers for not working is the availability and affordability of childcare, and we hope that in providing flexible childcare facilities, we can ensure a family-friendly framework which makes it easier for parents to continue to work."